Sociotechnical Considerations for SLAM Anchors in Location-Based AR

TL;DR

The paper tackles the underrepresentation of Thámien Ohlone history on a university campus by examining how to select SLAM-based anchors for location-based AR that honor historical significance while respecting the community. It combines SLAM localization via 8th Wall with co-design methods—notably Landmark-based Affinity Diagramming—and active collaboration with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, including tribal youth involvement. Key contributions include a structured set of sociotechnical anchor considerations (historical, perceived, accessibility, privacy) and a methodology for site-specific AR design that foregrounds Indigenous storytelling and social justice. The work demonstrates practical guidance for deploying place-based AR in sensitive cultural contexts and highlights challenges related to the built vs. natural environment, privacy, and long-term anchor viability, with implications for future community-centered AR projects.

Abstract

In this position paper, we explore the power of storytelling and its connection to place through the use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, particularly within the context of Thámien Ohlone history on the Santa Clara University campus. To do this, we utilized SLAM and 8th Wall to create virtual, location-based experiences that geolocate tribal stories at present-day sites, showcase the living culture of the Thámien Ohlone tribe, and advocate for physical markers that could exist to recognize their story. When doing so, we made sure to select locations that added to the story each stop tells to serve as our anchors. Our research then investigates both the social and technical considerations involved in selecting anchors for AR experiences, using the Thámien Ohlone AR Tour as a case study.